Power surge as council fleet goes electric

Terry Pycroft, head of fleet services, meets Cllr Lucinda Yeadon, executive member for environment and sustainability before she takes new electric van out for a spin

The first of a fleet of new electric council vehicles hit the streets of Leeds today.

Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, executive member for environment and sustainability, took the plug-in van on its inaugural journey.

A total of 42 all electric vehicles will add to, and in some cases replace, electric and hybrid vehicles in the council’s fleet.

It’s estimated that the vehicles will travel a combined total of around 450,000 miles a year offering fuel savings of £24,600.

Some of the vans and cars will be used to deliver council services primarily within the city centre, where the reduced emissions will have the most impact, taking steps towards improved air quality.

Many other environmentally savvy-businesses have already made the switch to greener vehicles in their fleet and are already benefitting from fuel savings.

With more electric council cars and vans on the road, it’s hoped that others will follow the council’s example and make the switch to low emission vehicles.

Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, executive member for environment and sustainability, said:

“A very famous frog once sang that it wasn’t easy being green. In Leeds we want to show that it is.

“Clearly we need vehicles to deliver many council services but we can do so in a way that is more sustainable.

“Making the switch to electric vehicles means we can cut emissions from our business as usual operations and make not insignificant financial savings too.

“Having taken a van out for a spin, I can clearly see the benefits and I hope others will too.”

As well as the new additions to the fleet, the council is offering Leeds ultra-low emission vehicle drivers a free parking permit.

More parking for electric vehicles is being allocated in council car parks and through planning conditions the council is ensuring new developments have suitable charging points.

As well as greening its own fleet, the council is continuing to encourage people to use sustainable transport and working to help remove barriers for the transport industry to make positive changes too.

Discussions with bus companies are ongoing to help them maximize their green credentials.